Learning Center Faces Changes

New Funding Sources Sought

February 05, 2004|By LEE FOSTER; Courant Staff Writer

VERNON — Faced with the loss of the federal grant that established the after-school program, officials are struggling to keep the 21st Century Learning Center open next year, even if it means raising the cost to parents or taking in fewer children.

``The good news is we will have a program,'' Youth Services Director Alan Slobodien said this week. ``We are dedicated to maintaining a program with as many of the quality components as possible.''

It's likely that the program at Vernon Center Middle School would be diminished from up to 100 students to a maximum of 60 in three classrooms with two adults in each room, Slobodien said. The fee for five-day participation might be increased from $700 to as much as $1,500, he said.

Superintendent Stephen Cullinan has already said there is no chance for funding from the board of education budget. But other sources such as grants and donations are being investigated, Slobodien said.

``We are trying to think out of the box,'' Vernon Center Assistant Principal Scott V. Nicol said. ``It's a challenge.''

Many parents and students already involved with the program at Vernon Center Middle School hope the effort is successful.

``I want them to keep it,'' Mary Scibelli said. Scibelli's daughter is in the program this year and her two sons were participants last year when they were in eighth grade.

``They didn't always like it, but it was always good for them,'' she said.

The program started in 2000 with a three-year, $1 million federal grant.

It currently serves 88 children and employs 15 staff members, some certified teachers and others with experience in child development.

``The people are incredible. They're the highest caliber you could want,'' Scibelli said.

Without 21st Century, 11-year-old Rose Goldich would stay home alone until her mother got home from work, she said Wednesday during activities period.

``I really hope there's a next year,'' Rose said.

The town Youth Services Department and the middle school administration jointly run the program, which starts at 2:30 p.m. with snack time. Students do homework under the watchful eyes of adult instructors and assistants, then the rest of the afternoon is spent in organized activities. Field trips are taken weekly and transportation home is provided by two school buses.

``This has been the Cadillac of programs,'' Director Joanne Hachey said Wednesday.

For some kids it is a latchkey program to occupy them before their parents get home from work. It helps others who are having academic trouble by making sure they get their homework done and by offering extra help with school subjects, Hachey said. A social worker and two tutors are available during the afternoon.

``21st Century is the best place to be,'' 11-year-old Michelle Andzel said.